Toyota Hilux vs Nissan Qashqai in South Africa – Comparison

Overall Comparison Score

Hilux

63

🏆 Winner

1 Point Difference

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Qashqai

62

Executive Summary

Both Hilux and Qashqai are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Key Differences At A Glance

Performance Hilux (+3)

Efficiency Qashqai (+2)

Safety Hilux (+2)

Practicality Qashqai (+2)

Ownership Equal

Pros & Cons

🏆 Overall Winner

Hilux

Pros

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package

Cons

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best For: Highway Driving

Qashqai

Pros

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Cons

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features

Best For: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Who Should Buy What?

Hilux

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment

Qashqai

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Category Breakdown

Hilux

Performance – 13/20

Efficiency – 7/20

Safety – 20/20

Practicality – 11/20

Ownership – 12/20

Qashqai

Performance – 10/20

Efficiency – 9/20

Safety – 18/20

Practicality – 13/20

Ownership – 12/20

Full Specification Comparison

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Ground Clearance	286	180
Wheelbase	3085	2665
Length	5325	4425
Width	1855	1835
Height	1815	1625
Kerb Weight	1980	1420
Gross Vehicle Weight	3050	1950
Seating Capacity	5	5
Boot Space	0	504
Towing Capacity	2800	1500

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Engine	2.4L Turbo Diesel	1.3L Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Turbocharged	Inline 4 Turbo
Displacement	2393	1332
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	4
Power	110	110
Torque	400	250
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Direct Injection
Top Speed	170	198
0-100 km/h	12.8	9.2

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic	CVT Automatic
Drive Type	4x2	4x2
Drivetrain Layout	Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available	Mechanical Differential	Electronic
Transfer Case	None	Not Applicable

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Claimed Mileage	13.2	16.5
City Mileage	9	12
Highway Mileage	13	17
Fuel Tank Capacity	80	55
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 6

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Airbags	7	6
ABS	Standard	Yes
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Yes
Traction Control	Standard	Yes
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	No
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Yes
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Yes
Brake Assist	Standard	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Not Available	Yes
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Yes

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Cruise Control	Standard	Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	No
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	No
Parking Sensors	Rear Only	Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Yes
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	No
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Yes

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Seat Material	Fabric	Cloth
Seat Adjustment	Manual	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	No
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	No
Steering Type	Hydraulic Power Steering	Electric
Steering Adjustment	Tilt	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Standard

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Climate Control	Manual	Dual Zone Automatic
Power Windows	All Windows	All
Keyless Entry	Standard	Yes
Push Button Start	Not Available	Yes
Wireless Charging	Not Available	No
Sunroof	Not Available	No
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	No

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Infotainment Screen	8-inch Touchscreen	8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Standard	Yes
Android Auto	Standard	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Yes
Number of Speakers	6	6
Navigation System	Optional	Yes

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
LED Headlamps	Halogen	Yes
Daytime Running Lamps	Standard	LED
Fog Lamps	Front Only	Front
Roof Rails	Not Available	Yes
Alloy Wheel Design	17-inch Alloy	17-inch Alloy

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Approach Angle	29	18
Departure Angle	26	22
Wading Depth	700	300
Terrain Modes	None	Normal and Eco
Locking Differential	Rear Differential Lock	No

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Tyre Size	265/65 R17	215/60 R17
Wheel Type	Alloy	Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Disc

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	Ladder Frame	Monocoque

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Service Interval	10000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	24 Months	2 Years

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	100000	90000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years

Spec	Hilux	Qashqai
CO2 Emissions	220	145
Start Stop System	Not Available	Yes
Hybrid System Type	None	None

Final Verdict

In structured scoring, Hilux emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Qashqai may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Based on structured category scoring, Hilux performs better overall in South Africa. However, final choice depends on driving priorities.

Hilux scores 7 while Qashqai scores 9 in efficiency. Real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions.

In safety scoring, Hilux scores 20 and Qashqai scores 18. Both offer competitive safety packages in this segment.

Hilux scores 12 versus Qashqai scoring 12. Warranty coverage and ownership value influence this result.

Practicality scoring gives Hilux 11 and Qashqai 13, reflecting cabin space and usability.

Performance category shows Hilux scoring 13 compared to Qashqai scoring 10, indicating stronger overtaking capability.

While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest Hilux may hold stronger long-term value.

Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.

Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. Hilux performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.

Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives Hilux the overall advantage.

Detailed Comparison Analysis

The comparison between Hilux and Qashqai in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Hilux scores 13 vs 10.

Efficiency: Hilux scores 7 vs 9.

Safety: Hilux scores 20 vs 18.

Practicality: Hilux scores 11 vs 13.

Ownership: Hilux scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives Hilux the advantage in this comparison.